Antibiotics are very effective drugs used to treat and prevent some types of bacterial infections and conditions such as kidney infections where they can help speed up recovery. Pneumonia especially in the elderly where there is a risk of complications . They can also be use on conditions where there is a risk that infections can be spread such as sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and skin infections like impetigo . They can also be used for not so serious conditions such as severe acne which may need help to clear and may not clear naturally.

They are not effective against colds and flu which are viral infections . Many infections are actually viral so antibiotics therefore will not aid or speed up the healing process. In fact the more we use antibiotics to treat viral conditions the more chance of reducing the effects of future courses of antibiotics as the body becomes resistant to the drug over time . Causing stronger strains of antibiotics to be administered . For this reason antibiotics are no longer routinely used for chest infections , ear infections and sore throats .


                                                                                 


Another side effect is that antibiotics are not selective about which bacteria they kill . They kill both good and bad bacteria . Obviously it is good to kill the bad bacteria . However we need the good bacteria for a healthy gut. An unhealthy gut can weaken the immune system, cause hormonal imbalance, lead to eczema , cause insomnia and can even lead to mood disorders which can lead to anxiety. A poor diet can also worsen these conditions .

Ways to improve your gut health after a course of antibiotics are :

• Eating healthy whole foods to include fruit and vegetables as fresh as you can get them.
• Eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut
• Avoid stress as much as possible
• Taking quality probiotic supplements

A combination of all 4 of the above will improve you gut health . Fermented foods fruit and vegetables will maintain your healthy gut . Take time out to relax where possible . 
It is not proven that supplements or any probiotic added to foods such as yoghurt will assist in a healthy person . But they should assist in recovery of the gut after a course of antibiotics. Children  probiotics may be useful for children if they are fussy about eating fermented foods or fruit and vegetables for that matter.

Take the advise of your doctor when being prescribed antibiotics it will probably in most cases be the best course of action . But at the same time be mindful to remember your gut after the course has finished.



                                                                                               

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